Transmission cable structure



Feb. 18, 1947. Q Nom-0N TRANSMISSION CABLE STRUCTURE Filed April 8, 1943 2' sheets-sheet 1 Feb. 18, l947. C, NORTON 2,416,206

TRANSMISSlON CABLE STRUCTURE Filed April 1945 2 sheets-sheet .2

mm s@ @u Q@ w www www Sw wm @w @m IIN VEN TOR. @Zwam wzaw Patented Feb. 18, 1947 TRANSIWIS SION CABLE STRUCTURE Calhoun Norton, Chicago, Ill., assigner to Arens Controls, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application April 8, 1943, Serial No. 482,335

(Cl. i4-501) 15 Claims.

This invention relates to cable structures, and particularly to transmission cables adapted to transmit control or operating movements such as reciprocatory or rotational movements. The invention concerns particularly structural arrangements whereby the cable body parts or end connections, including both sheath and shiftable transmission portions, may be readily connected and disconnected as may be required to effect cable separation.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved transmission cable structure. More specifically stated, it is an object of the invention to provide a transmission cable structure wherein the cable parts, either body parts or end connections, and including both the stationary and shiftable portions thereof, may be readily connected and disconnected as required.

A further object of the invention is to provide a transmission cable structure of the type defined wherein the separation may be readily effected without the use of special tools, and as frequently as may be desired, but without impairment of the operation and functioning of the cable parts when connected for use.

A still further object of the invention is to adapt the principles thereof to flexible transmission cables, and particularly flexible cables of the type having a flexible sheath and a composite flexible inner or transmission structure.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following speciflcation when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein certain preferredembodiments of the invention are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. l is a general assembly view illustrating a transmission cable installation incorporating a cable structure constructed in accordance with the invention and embodying the principles thereof;

Fig. 2 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the disconnectable joints of the cable Structure illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a detail View of the structure of Fig. 2, but showing the outer retention sleeve in disconnected position;

Fig. 4 is a view of the structure of Fig. 3 showing the cable parts disconnected;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional View of the structure of Fig. 2, on a further enlarged scale, and more particularly illustrating the details of construction;

Figs. 6 and '7 are detail perspective views illustrating certain of the sheath and inner cable portions;

Fig. 8 is a detail view illustrating another of the disconnectable joints incorporated in the cable structure of Fig. l;

Fig. 9 is a view of the structure of Fig. 8, but showing the outer retention sleeve in disconnected position;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the structure of Fig. 8, on a further enlarged scale, and more particularly illustrating the details of the construction;

Fig. 11 is a view of a structure similar to Fig. 2, but embodying a modified form of retention sleeve;

Fig. 12 is a detail view of one of the holding clips as embodied in the structure of Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a modified form of structure wherein the inner cable portions are adapted for extended or increased shifting range. l

Referring more particularly to the drawings, in Fig. 1 there is set forth for purposes of illustration, a control installation embodying a transmission cable structure constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. As shown, the transmission cable structure is of the flexible type and generally indicated by the numeral Ill, and is adapted to connect an operating handle or knob II and a device I2 having an operating arm I3 to be controlled. -The cable structure is adapted to extend through, and be supported by Wall members I4 and I5 comprising a part of the frame of the mechanism or structure with which the control installation is to be associated. The control handle or knob'll is supported by a frame wall I6. In a typical installation, for example, the wall member I6 may be the dashboard of an aircraft or other vehicle, and the walls I4 and I5 may be frame wall portions of the vehicle. As will be more specifically hereinafter described, the transmission cable structure I0 comprises a stationary outer sheath Within which the inner or movable cable portions are adapted to be shifted. The stationary or sheath cable portions are adapted to be fixed to and supported by the walls I4, I5 and I6, whereas the shiftable inner cable portions are adapted for connection to the control knob II and the operated lever I3 of the device to be controlled. As the control knob is shifted between its full and dotted line positions as shown in Fig. 1, the operated lever I3 of the controlled device will Similarly be shifted between its full and dotted line positions as will be understood by those familiar with the art.

In installations of this character it is frequently desirable or necessary to remove the controlled device, such as the device I2, from the associated support structures of the vehicle, or to remove the dashboard or panel |6 and its associated controls from the vehicle. In accordance with the present invention, readily disconnectable means is provided, for example as indicated at |1 and I8, whereby to permit the separation of the cable parts to facilitate such removal operations, or for other reasons as may occur.

For illustrative purposes the disconnectable joint |1 is arranged in the body of the transmission cable structure, and is shown in detail in Figs. 2 to 1 inclusive. The disconnectable joint I 8 is arranged adjacent the end of the cable structure, and is shown in detail in Figs. 8, 9 and 10.

Referring more specifically to Figs. 2 to '1 inclusive, the cable structure illustrated comprises an inner or shiftable cable portion composed of a central core wire 2|) and a Wire coil 2| embracing the core and secured at its ends thereto. The core 20 and coil 2| comprise the transmission elements of the cable, and are shiftable as a unit Within a sheath composed of a wire coil 22 and a suitable covering 23. The covering 23 may be of any suitable waterproof and Wear resistant material such as rubber, fabric or the like, and is arranged in fixed embracing relation to the sheath coil 22. A flexible transmission cable structure is thus provided. While one preferred form of cable structure has been set forth for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that other forms of shiftable and sheath structures, exible or non-flexible, may be used.

In accordance with the invention and to provvide the disconnectable joint |1, the transmission elements of the cable, comprising the core 20 and the wire coil 2|, on one side of the disconnectable joint, are provided with a fitting or connection member 25 of generally cylindrical form and of a shaping which will be best understood by reference to Fig. '7. It will be seen that the connection member 25 is provided on its end with a slot 26 and lug portion 21 which are adapted to interit, in a manner indicated in Figs. v3, 4 and 5, with a similar slot and lug arrangement provided on a similarly formed and complementary iitting or connection member 28 secured to the cable transmission elements extending in the opposite direction from the joint I1. As shown in Fig. 5, the complementary connection members 25 and 28 are provided with axial counterbores within which the core 20 and wire coil 2| are received, the members being secured on the ends of the coil Wire and coil by swedging or soldering or the like, whereby to provide a permanent tension and compression resisting connection. It will be seen that when the connection members 25 and 28 are interlocked, as shown in Fig. 5, the adjacent ends ofthe wire core 20 and associated coil 2| are connected for the transmission of either compressive or pulling movements, the parts being adapted to shift as a unit within the cable sheath portions.

The adjacent sheath portions of the cable are similarly provided with fittings or connection members 3| and 32, the member 3| being shown in perspective detail in Fig. 6. Both of these members are similarly formed, and are arranged for complementary interiitted engagement. Referring, for example, to the member 3|, as shown in Fig. 6, it will be seen that it comprises a semicylindrical portion 33, a portion 34 on its end of slightly greater than semicylindrical extent, and a portion 35 of slightly less than semicylindrical extent. Abutment shoulders 36 are formed between the portions 33 and 35, and abutment shoulders 31 are formed between the portions 33 and 34. It will be understood that when the fittings 3| and 32 are interengaged, as shown in Fig. 3, the abutment shoulders 36 and 31 iof the fitting 3|, in cooperation with the similarly formed abutment shoulders of the fitting 32 pre,- vent the pulling apart of the fittings. portion or abutment surface 38, Fig. 6, of the f1tting 3| in cooperation with the end surface 39, Fig. 4, of the fitting 32, and the end surface 40 of the fitting 3| in cooperation with the abutment Wall 4| of the fitting 32 prevent the telescoping or unauthorized movement of the fittings axially relatively toward each other. Accordingly it will be seen that when the fittings are in interconnected engagement they are prevented from relative axial motion in either direction. The sev-- eral abutment shoulders and surfaces, such as the shoulders 36 and 31, and the abutment surfaces 38, 39, 40 and 4| are all preferably formed so that the engaged abutting walls or surfaces are perpendicularly disposed with reference to the axis of the cable. By reason of this arrangement the fittings experience no tendency toward separation as they are subjected to axial stresses either of tension or compression. The two fittings or connection members 3| and 32, when in interfitted engagement, together form a cylindrical sleeve within which the complementary fittings 25 and 28, and the associated inner transmission parts 20 and 2| of the cable are longitudinally reciprocable. so that the fittings 25 and 28 are freely slidable Within the fittings 3| and 32, and are also r0- tatable therein if such movement is desired.

The fittings 3| and 32 are permanentlysecured with their associated cable sheath portions by means of punched indentations, for example as indicated at 44 and 45, or other suitable means. These punched indentations deform the metal of the fittings into interlocked engagement with the cable sheath, as indicated at 46 and 41 in Fig. 5, forming a secure connection resisting axial stresses tending to move the adjacent cable sheath portions either relatively away from each other or toward each other in an axial direction.

To secure the fittings 3| and 32 against lateral separation after .they have been interengaged, outer retentionsleeve means is provided. As shown in Figs. 2-5, such outer retention sleeve means may comprise a main sleeve 50 and an auxiliary sleeve 5| adapted to be held in connectedengagemeni-l by means of a bayonet slot connection. More particularly, the main sleeve 50 is provided with an end portion 52 of reduced outer diameter upon which are formed a pair of oppositely radially extending lugs 53. The auxiliary sleeve 5| is formed with a pair of corresponding diametrically positioned bayonet slots 54, the lugs 53 and slots 54 providing a bayonet type connection between the sleeves when the auxiliary sleeve is brought into telescoping rela- .tion with the reduced end 52 of the main sleeve, and slightly rotated, as will be understood. The end surface of the auxiliary sleeve 5| is radially inturned as indicated at 55 in Fig. 3, and a compression spring 56 is arranged within the sleeve in abutting engagement with the inturned wall The wall` l y The parts are proportioned.

55, and loosely slidable on the cable sheath. When .the auxiliary sleeve 5| and main sleeve 58 are brought; into position for engagement, as shown in Fig. 2, the end of the compression spring 56 abuts the end of the fitting 32, as illustrated in Fig. 5, thereby tending to urge the auxiliary sleeve to lthe right, to hold the lugs 53 in tight engagement within the bayonet slots 54; the main sleeve 50 being limited in its rightward movement by an end cap 51 fixed thereon which is brought into abutting engagement with the end of the fitting 3|.

It Will be seen that to assemble the joint I1 it is merely necessary first to interfit the complementary fittings or connection members 25 and 28 and simultaneously intert the ttings 3| and 32 by moving the parts laterally toward each other from the position of Fig. 4 to the position of Fig. 3, after which the main and auxiliary re- .tention sleeves 58 and 5| are moved from their Fig. 3- position to their position as shown in Fig. 2, whereby to form the completed connection. To effect separation of the joint, the foregoing operations are reversed. The connecting or discon-.

necting operations may thus be effected Without the use of any special tools, and as often as may be required. When the parts are in assembled position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the transmission elements of the cable comprising the core 20, the Wire coil 2|, and the fittings 25 and 28 are freely slidable or rotatable Within the cable sheath and fitting members 3| and 32, thereby permitting the functioning of the transmission cable for its intended purpose. Repeated connection and disconnection of .the joint Will in no way impair the operative functioning of the cable parts when connected and assembled for operation. At the same time separation and reconnection 0f the cable may be effected with a minimum of effort and with a minimumexpenditure of time.

In Figs. 8, 9 and 10 the details of the connection 8 are illustrated, wherein the disconnectable joint is provided in immediate juxtaposition to the end connection 60 of the cable structure. In the particular embodiment illustrated, this end connection or member comprises a rod 60, Fig. 8, threadedly connected to a yoke member 6| which is in turn connected by means of a pivot pin 62 to the lever I3 of the device to be controlled.

In the embodiment illustrated, the rod 60 is provided at its end with a slot 63 and projection 64, adapted to interfit with a similar slot and projection formed on a fitting 65 formed and secured to the transmission portions 20 and 2| of the cable, in a manner similar to the fitting '25 in .the embodiment previously described. The rod 60 is slidable within a sheath member 66, the end 61 of which is enlarged slightly, as shown in Fig. 9, so as to be loosely slidable over the end 68 of the cable sheath 23. A sleeve 69 is fixed to the cable sheath by means of punched indentations 10, similar to the indentations 44 and 45 previously described, said sleeve 69 having fixed thereto a cap member 1| provided with opposite radially extending bayonet lugs 12. When the parts are in assembled position, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10, the end of the enlarged portion 61 of the sheath 66 is adapted to abut the cap 1| as perhaps best shown in Fig. 10, the member 66 with the sheath 22, 23, thus forming a sheath structure within which the shiftable elements of the cable comprising the core 20, the coil 2|, the fitting and the rod 60 are longitudinally reciprocable and rotatable if desired.

A retention sleeve 15 is arranged on the sheath member 66, said retention sleeve being provided with bayonet slots 16, Fig. 8, and with an inturned end wall 11, Fig. 9, forming the reaction surface for a compression spring 18. This compression spring, when the parts are in assembled position, abuts the enlarged portion 61 of the sheath 66, as shown in Fig. 10, thereby urging the retention sleeve 15 to the left as seen in Fig. 8, to hold the bayonet projections and slots in proper, interfitted engagement.

The manner of connecting and disconnecting the joint I8, and the operation of the structure is believed to be clear from what has heretofore been said in reference to the joint I1, suflice to say that the joint may be readily assembled by merely bringing the fitting 65 and rod 60 laterally into engagement, sliding the sheath 66 to the right as seen in Fig. 9 to shift the enlarged end 61 over the adjacent end 68 of lthe cable sheath 22, 23, and thereafter moving the retention sleeve 15 into position.

In Figs. 11 and l2 a modified embodiment is illustrated, similar to that shown in Figs. 2 to 7 inclusive, but incorporating a modified form of retention sleeve structure. In this instance, the retention sleeve, as shown at is formed as a single member, and is held in place upon the fittings 3|a and 32a by a pair of spring clips 8| and 82. More particularly, the fitting 3|a is provided with an annular groove 83 into which the spring clip 8| is adapted to be sprung after the sleeve 80 has been shifted axially into assembled position as shown in Fig. 11. The fitting 32a is provided with a similar annular groove into which the spring clip 82 is adapted to be sprung. In Fig. 12 one of the spring clips, specifically the clip 8|, is illustrated in detail. Both clips may be similarly formed.

In this form of the invention it will be seen that the retention sleeve 80 comprises but a single member and after being axially slid into encompassing relation to the fittings 3 a and 32a, is held in position by the clips 8| and 82.

In Fig. 13 an embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein the inner transmission elements of the cable are adapted for extended shifting movement, beyond the length of the sheath fittings or connection members. More specifically in this instance the fittings 25h and 28D, functionally similar to the fittings 25 and 28 previously described, are adapted to receive only the ends of the core Wire 20h, and have a diameter equal to the Wire coil 2lb which is secured to and shifts as a unit With the core Wire, as previously described. The sheath fittings 3|b and 32h, functionally similar to the fittings 3| and 32 previously described, in this instance have an inner bore equal in diameter to the bore of the sheath coil 22h, the ends of the fittings being counterbored, as indicated at 85 and 86 to receive the ends of the coils 22h with their associated coverings 23b. Punched depressions as indicated as 44h and 45b may be provided for holding the fittings 3|b and 32h in position on the cable sheath ends, as previously described. As illustratedln Fig. 13, the retention sleeve Bb is similar in form tothe sleeve 80, as shown in Fig. 1l, being held in place by spring clips as indicated at 82h and as previously described.

It Will be seen that in this instance the sheath fittings 3|b and 32h form, With the sheath coil 22h, a continuous bore of uniform diameter Within which the fittings 25h and 28h and the associated cable transmission members 20h and 2lb may be longitudinally shifted and rotated as required. Due to the fact that a bore of uniform diameter is provided extending completely through the disconnectable joint, the axial shifting movement of the fittings 25h and 28h is not limited to the axial length of the ttings 3Ib and 32h, as is true for example in the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 7 inclusive. In said embodiment of Figs. 2-'7 it is to be understood that the permissible movement will be suliicient to meet the requirements of the particular installation, but in certain instances a greater extent of travel, as permitted by the structure of Fig. 13, may be desired.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specic embodiments shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit when subjected to either tension or compression, and a sheath within which said elongated transmission member is movable, said sheath serving to hold the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement when said portions are arranged within the sheath, and said interengageable portions being freely disengageable when removed from the sheath, said sheath comprising a pair of members having snap locked interengageable portions preventing the sheath members from relative axial movement when they are in axial alinement.

2. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided With interengageable portions having interlocking surfaces angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member, said interengageable portions being adapted to be interconnected whereby to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit, and a sheath within which said elongated transmission member is movable, said sheath serving to hold the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement when said portions are arranged within the sheath, and said interengageable portions being freely disengageable when removed from the sheath, said sheath comprising a pair of members provided with snap locked interlocking surfaces angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal sheath axis for preventing the sheath members from relative axial movement when they are in axial alinement.

3. A transmission cable construction as defined in claim 2, wherein said interlocking surfaces on the transmission member sections and on the sheath members are substantially perpendicular- 1y disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe transmission member.

4. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit when subjected to either tension or compression, and a sheath within which said elongated transmission member is movable, said sheath serving to hold the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement when said portions are arranged within the sheath, said sheath comprising a pair of members having interengageable portions preventing the sheath members from relative axial movement when they are in axial alinement, and a sleeve for holding the sheath members in saidaxial alinement to maintain the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement.

5. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, said transmission member including a central core Wire and a wire coil encompassing the core, disengageable attachment means for the transmission member comprising a pair of complementary members adapted to be intertted and secured together from separation when subjected to tension or compression, at least one of said complementary members being immovably secured to said transmission member, and a sheath encompassing the complementary members and within which said members are movable, said sheath serving to hold said complementary members in interengaged relation while they are disposed within said sheath, and said sheath comprising a pair of members having spring locked interengageable portions preventing the sheath members from relative axial movement when they are in axial alinement.

6. A transmission cable construction compris ing an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit when subjected to either tension or compression, and a sheath within which said elongated transmission member is movable, adjacent sections of said sheath being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected together from separation when subjected to tension or compression, and said sheath embracing and serving to hold the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement when said portions are arranged within the sheath, a sleeve encompassing the sheath sections for holding them in interengaged relation, and resilient means for positioning the sleeve in encompassing position.

7. A transmission cable construction comprising a sheath, complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath connected to adjacent portions of the sheath, said complementary members being adapted to be intertted and interlocked together whereby to secure said adjacent sheath portions together from separation when subjected to tension or compression, spring actuated means for maintaining said complementary members in intertted engagement, an elongated transmission member within the sheath, and complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member connected to adjacent portions of said transmission member, said last named complementary members also being adapted to be intertted and interlocked together whereby to connect said transmission member portions for movement as a .f 9 Y y unit within said sheath when subjected to either tension or compression.

8. A transmission cable construction comprising a sheath, complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath connected to adjacent portions of the sheath, said complementary members being adapted to be intertted and secured together whereby to secure said ladjacent sheath portions together from separation when subjected to tension or compression, an elongated transmission member within the sheath, and complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member connected to adjacent portions of said transmission member, said last named complementary members also being adapted to be intertted and secured together whereby to connect said transmission member portions for movement as a unit within said sheath from separation when subjected to tension or compression, and an axially shiftable sleeve for holding said sheath connected complementary members in intertted relation.

9. A transmission cable as defined in claim 7, wherein said transmission member comprises a central core wire and a wire coil in embracing relation to the core.

10. A transmission cable construction comprising a sheath, complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath connected to adjacent portions of the sheath, said complementary members being adapted to be interfitted and interlocked together whereby to secure said adjacent sheath portions together from separation when subjected to tension or compression, an elongated transmission member within the sheath, said transmission member comprising a central wire core and a wire coil in embracing relation to the core, complementary members having surfaces disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member connected to adjacent portions of said transmission member, said last named complementary members also being adapted to be interitted and interlocked together whereby to connect said transmission members portions for movement as a unit within said sheath from separation when subjected to tension or compression, an axially shiftable sleeve for holding the sheath connected complementary members in interfitted relation, and snap locked means for anchoring said sleeve in axially shifted position.

11. A transmission cable construction as dened in claim 1, wherein said interengageable portions of the transmission member sections are of an external diameter no greater than the internal diameter of the sheath.

i2. A transmission cable construction as dened in claim 7, wherein said transmission member connected complementary members are of an external diameter no greater than the internal diameter `of said sheath.

13. A transmission cable construction as dened in claim 8, wherein means is provided for holding the sleeve against axial shiftable movement, said means comprising a bayonet joint connection and a compression spring operatively associated therewith and arranged to embrace the cable structure.

14. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit when subjected to either tension or compression, and a sheath within which said elongated transmission member is movable, said sheath providing a pair of concentric relatively shiftable sleeves embracing the interengageable transmission member portions for holding them in interengagement when they are disposed within the sleeves, and a spring reacting between said sleeves for holding them in embracing position.

15. A transmission cable construction comprising an elongated transmission member, adjacent sections of said transmission member being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected to secure said transmission member sections for movement together as a unit when subjected to either tension or compression, and a sheath Within which said elongated transmission member is movable, adjacent sections of said sheath being provided with interengageable portions adapted to be interconnected together, means including a spring embracing the cable structure for holding said sheath portions in engaged position, and said sheath serving to hold the interengageable portions of the transmission member sections from disengagement when said portions are arranged within the sheath.

CALHOUN NORTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,296,993 Gerry Sept. 29, 1942 359,717 Dring et al Apr. 3, 1906 2,148,867 Lesage Feb. 28, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 780,002 French Apr. 17, 1935 810,150 French Dec. 19, 1936 779,083 French Jan. 5, 1935 Certcate of Correction e# Patent No. 2,416,206. February 18, 1947.

CALHOUN NORTON lt is hereby certified that errors appear-in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Column 3, line 59,'or lcoil first occurrence, read core; column 9, line 46, lor members read member; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of May, A. D. 1947 LESLIE FRAZER,

First Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

